Description
The Levada track between Ribeiro Frio and Portela is one of the most stunning tracks you can make on the island of Madeira. Levadas are old irrigation channels which transported water from the northwest side to the drier eastside of the island and, nowadays, provide ideal hiking tracks through thick and lush green laurelforests. These forests are home to several endemic species, like the madeiranhippiäinen and the Madeiran subspecies of peippo, which both can be seen in large flocks, and the madeirankyyhky which can be heard and sometimes seen flying over the track. varpushaukka hunts in the forests and can also be seen passing by.
Several open clearings next to rivers provide an ideal habitat for kanariankirvinen and virtavästäräkki. Also, these rivers are a good spot for drinking songbirds.
The track also provides several amazing viewing points from which species, like madeirankiitäjä can been seen. Birds of prey, like hiirihaukka and tuulihaukka can be seen here too. If you're lucky, a haarahaukka passes you by during migration.
Details
Access
The area is best accessable from the western side of the track, near the village of Ribeiro Frio. You can park your car there or you can take the bus to this starting point and take the bus back from the other side to the capital city of Funchal.

